New battery recommendations?

[newBgeek]

Originally Posted by Geoff U

Hi Guys;
I live around Vancouver area BC and drive a 2003 Boxster but I think the battery is failing fast. Its a Federal Batteries 691MF 700 cca maint-free but I checked the fluid levels and topped them off but it still wont hold a charge for long. I trickle charge it but I think I need a new battery and I was reading Mike Focke's great info page BUT I can't find any of those choices around here for some reason.
I think as its a Boxster not an S it needs either a 48R or equivalent but Walmart in Van or Bellingham dont have any, Costco doesn't seem to sell batteries at all now (?!?) and Autozone/Pep Boys etc dont seem to be a viable option.
Does anyone have any good ideas or recommendations please ?

When my 1 1/2 yr old BCAA battery died (bought by previous owner), I replaced it with a Motomaster Ultra AGM from Canadian tire. This was for my Boxster S and it fit perfectly. Even had the vent tube connector though I doubt that it would need it. I have only bought AGM batteries for the past 25 years and would highly recommend it.

[Geoff U]

OK thanks for that NewBgeek.
I tended to stay away from CDN Tire in the past but will explore that avenue.......cheers

[lkchris]

The new sizing is called H6 and a larger H7 is even better and both will fit with no problems.

[newBgeek]

Originally Posted by Geoff U

OK thanks for that NewBgeek.
I tended to stay away from CDN Tire in the past but will explore that avenue.......cheers

They don't actually make anything, just rebrand other manufacturer's products. Some of their stuff is actually very good, like their formula 1 synthetic which I use on my non-european cars (made by Shell and well rated on Bob's the Oil Guy).

The Ultra AGM battery is a rebranded Exide EXIDE® Edge. Plus it has a 5 yr free replacement warranty so you are good for at least 5 years. And it's not much more than a traditional lead acid battery.

I first got into AGM batteries when I needed my car to start in -40C weather and it has never failed. Definitely should not cheap out on one of the most important and often neglected components of your car.

[por356c]

Hello guys - I am new to Boxsters, but I have to pick-up on what some of the guys have said here - why in the world don't you replace a dead battery with a sealed AGM like an Optima? No acid, no fumes, fantastic cranking power. They last forever. What am I missing other than it doesn't say Porsche?

David Preston

[particlewave]

Originally Posted by por356c

Hello guys - I am new to Boxsters, but I have to pick-up on what some of the guys have said here - why in the world don't you replace a dead battery with a sealed AGM like an Optima? No acid, no fumes, fantastic cranking power. They last forever. What am I missing other than it doesn't say Porsche?

David Preston

Ummm...AGM batteries are lead acid batteries, so they do have acid (not that it matters). The only difference is the absorbent glass mat plate separator material.
FYI, I've never heard of a battery labeled "Porsche", so your remark about that is weird.

Why don't I buy one? Because I used to make them, so am immune to the hype. The price increase weighed against any potential benefits in a standard passenger vehicle don't add up. Not to mention the high rate of defects due to complex manufacturing methods. The return rate for AGM at a certain battery manufacturing plant in St. Joseph is about 7-8 times higher than standard.

That's why I don't buy them. Standard lead acid is good enough for 99%.

[por356c]

The battery in my car was put in by the PO at a Porsche dealership and it says Porsche on it - not weird - it says Porsche. Maybe AGM is hype - I guess I just don't realize that. All I am saying is that AGMs don't leak acid - no accidental spills, they have a much longer life span, and their cranking power is unquestioned and there is no fumes. They cost maybe $125 and how can that not be a good long term value? Or you can but some $60 battery every two years.